The Elevation Feature in Novorender’s Point Visualization module allows users to visualize terrain height variation by coloring point cloud data according to elevation. This helps in better understanding topography, terrain features, or seabed structures, and is especially useful in water management design and design of roads and walkways.
Initial Setup: Accessing the Feature
Navigate to:
Validation→Point Visualization
Understanding Elevation in Point Clouds
Hover over different areas in the point cloud to see Z-values (elevation).
Identify extremes:
For example:
Lowest Point ≈ 210 meters
Highest Point ≈ 233 meters
These values will help you define the range for the elevation color mapping.
Manual Color Mapping by Elevation
Click on the "Elevation" option.
Open the settings using the three-dot menu →
Edit.Click
Add Elevationto manually define steps:Example:
210 m → Blue
220 m → Green
230 m → Red
Choose the number of intervals based on desired detail:
Fewer intervals = Simpler overview
More intervals = Finer topographical detail
Click
Saveto apply.
Improved Method: Importing from CSV
You can download an example file Elevation.csv. For better control and detail:
Prepare a CSV file (e.g. in Excel) with 2 columns:
Elevation: numeric height value (in meters)Color: HEX color code (e.g.,#0000FF)
Save the file as
.csv.In the Elevation settings:
Click
Import→Elevation File CSV
Assign columns:
First column →
ElevationSecond column →
Color
Click
Import→ thenSave.
The system now uses your predefined intervals and colors, offering a precise and high-contrast elevation map.
Switch to 2D View (Optional)
Click on
Switch to 2Dto view the point cloud as a color-coded elevation map.Use this for better top-down visual comparison of height differences.
Tips & Best Practices
Use smaller elevation steps (e.g. 1–5 meters) for urban terrain or fine-detailed seabeds.
Use contrasting colors to clearly distinguish elevation bands.
Keep a saved library of elevation-color templates for different types of projects.
The elevation feature is an essential tool to transform 3D point cloud data into a comprehensible and insightful map, greatly aiding design review and terrain analysis.